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Boult: Beating South Africa means little

New Zealand capped off their Cricket World Cup preparations by routing South Africa, but Trent Boult is not resting on his laurels.

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Written ByPeter Hanson

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Trent Boult is refusing to read too much into New Zealand's
dominant 134-run victory over South Africa in Wednesday's Cricket
World Cup warm-up contest.

The Black Caps set the tone with the bat in Christchurch, as a
collective effort saw a New Zealand post a total of 331.

Seamer Boult then starred with the ball, finishing with figures
of 5-51 as the Proteas wilted to 197 all out in reply.

New Zealand have emerged as dark horses for the tournament,
which they are co-hosting with Australia, but Boult is keen to keep
a lid on expectations.

"It's a practice match at the end day," he said.

"I guess different combinations and theories were tried. They're
a quality side that South Africa side, we know how damaging they
can be. I'm sure they will be throughout the World Cup we can't
look too much into today."

The match was important preparation for New Zealand considering
Monday's warm-up fixture with Zimbabwe was washed out.

Boult was happy with his contribution and felt the whole team
benefited from getting some overs in.

"I think it was very clear we wanted to get the most out of the
opportunity, bowlers needed to bowl together and we needed to bat.
It was done nicely, most of the 15-man squad got something out it,"
he added.

"It was good, it was nice to get a couple of wickets at the
start there. It was very enjoyable.

"Everyone knows there's a good amount of competition between the
bowlers and the unit. I enjoyed today, it came together from both
ends. It was a good head out."